Kroenke Tightens Grip On Arse

US businessman Stan Kroenke has increased his stake in Arsenal to just over 20%. The diamond dealer shelled out £42.5 million to buy 5,000 shares from fellow director Danny Fiszman — chump change, really, for a man worth a Forbes-estimated $3.5 billion. American Kroenke's increased clout at one of the Premier League's highest profile teams raises the spectre of a Cold War-style clash with Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who owns 25%, a mere 5% away from being able to launch a takeover bid. USA vs. former USSR for north London domination: could the domino theory be playing out in N5? Well, the Gunners do play in red you know. (Image / wallyg)